Councilmembers consider giving to charity

    Philadelphia City Councilmembers say they are ready to forgo this years’ 5-percent cost of living raise. But members are weighing whether to give the money to charity or back to the city’s general fund.

    Philadelphia City Councilmembers say they are ready to forgo this years’ 5-percent cost of living raise. But members are weighing whether to give the money to charity or back to the city’s general fund.

    Before taxes, the money adds up to about $100,000 dollars. Council spokesman Tony Radwanski says some Councilmembers think giving the money back to the city’s general fund would be like “sending it to the black hole of Calcutta.”

    Rodwanski: It would be a drop in the bucket. As far as having an effect on the city’s financial picture it doesnt. But if you’re asking employees to not take a pay increase, than its more of a symbolic gesture than anything else.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    Councilman Bill Green says he doesn’t want his contribution to be symbolic.

    Green: I want my money to have an impact on things I care about. If I give it to the general fund the administration gets to decide how to use it. If I give it to the Friends of the Free Library then its spent on something, where resources have been lost, where it can make an impact.

    If Councilmembers give it to charity, they can later claim it on their federal income taxes.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal